After three flops, Abhishek pins hope on DMD

If an actor’s commercial status in Bollywood is judged by his last hit, then Abhishek Bachchan has ample reasons to worry about his drug-drama Dum Maaro Dum’s (DMD) box office fate this weekend. The actor’s last three films have been certified flops.

If an actor’s commercial status in Bollywood is judged by his last hit, then Abhishek Bachchan has ample reasons to worry about his drug-drama Dum Maaro Dum’s (DMD) box office fate this weekend. The actor’s last three films, Game, Khelein Hum Jee Jaan Sey (2010) and Raavan (2010) that released in the last six-eight months, have been certified flops.



Tradesmith Vinod Mirani agrees that DMD is the actor’s acid test at the box-office, and he needs a thumping hit to consolidate his market position. "Unfortunately, none of Abhishek’s recent movies have worked. Box-office predictions fall flat on their faces nowadays; everything relies on the weekend figures. It’s essential that DMD records a terrific opening."



Manoj Desai, executive director, Maratha Mandir and G7 Cineplex, seconds Mirani, and admits that there has been a dearth of ‘watchable’

HT Image

movies of late: "Team-wise and individually for Abhishek, DMD seems to be crowd-puller, even though the IPL is on. Every actor goes through lulls and recovers with time and hits. He’s nothing different."



Raksha Entertainment’s Ramesh Sippy points out that even Salman Khan had long list of flops before his Wanted (2009) and Dabangg (2010) roared at the box-office. And Ajay Devgn’s career stabilised after Once Upon A Time In Mumbaai’s (2010) success. "Guru (2007) wiped out the trade apprehensions about Abhishek that arose closer to Umrao Jaan’s release. So, I’m sure after DMD, he’ll find better written projects on his plate."



Distributor Sanjay Ghai of Mukta Arts cautions the actor to beware of outdated storylines and awry scripts: "Unless there is something engaging, no one watches freedom-fighter movies. Game’s release date went back and forth sending feelers that there was something amiss." Mirani suggests that even if it’s called interference, Abhishek needs to be more involved with his projects and consciously pick ones that present him differently. Clearly the ball is in the actor’s court.



Abhishek admits he’s not had the time to analyse the reasons for Game’s disastrous results. He dismisses the trade’s perception that he maintains safe distance from his projects. He also refuses to alter his way of functioning to rectify the media’s misconceptions. "I review my films, irrespective of box office figures."



Abhishek argues. "Each one has something to learn from. And there’s always pressure to deliver a hit. The degree (of pressure) slightly varies, depending on whether the last release was a hit or a flop. Right now, I’m positive about Dum Maaro Dum. And the support from the trade for the film is relieving."



Abhi’s deal breakers

Game (2011)

Cost: Rs 35 crore

Lost: Rs 20- 25 crore



KHJJS (2010)

Cost: Rs 45 crore

Lost: Rs 30 crore



Raavan (2010)

Cost: Rs 40 crore

Lost: Rs 20 crore

Delhi 6 (2009)
Cost: Rs 45 crore
Lost: Rs 20 crore

*Cost (Inclusive of Prints & Advertising) & Box-Office Figures Courtesy: Film Information